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One dog or two?

From hamsters to horses, this is the place for pet-related chat. Whether you're thinking about getting a puppy or wondering how a rescue dog will fit in with your family, post here to get opinions from other parents. Please note that as a peer-to-peer chat board, Netmums has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting. If you're concerned for the wellbeing of your pet or have concerns about the welfare of someone else's animal, please contact your vet or the RSPCA.

One dog or two?

Emily S(51)

Posted on 16-08-2013 at 6.15PM

So I have a two year old ***** patterdale, she's absolutely adorable and very very good, we've been very lucky. We've toyed with the idea of getting another but due to running cost ie insurance, flea treatment, food costing approx £350 a year per dog we decided against it.

But I've just seen on Facebook a young ***** that's been abandoned and currently at a vets, I called and am now first on the list to call to discuss rehoming if an owner doesn't come forward which is unlikely now. It's the type of dog we want and I really want her now!!

But still these doubts are there. Has anyone any experienced getting a second dog and the impact?

Worth mentioning I'm a sahm so dog is rarely alone and we don't go abroad often, just camping normally

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Emily S(51)

Posted on 16-08-2013 at 6.17PM

Net mums has removed the gender of my dog and the other as it is now classed as a swear word!But both are females!

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Posted on 16-08-2013 at 6.21PM

I have two lovely dogs, both beagles. Our eldest dog was two when we got the pup and they are now 7 and 5. As much as I love them to bits if I am honest I don't think I would get more than one dog at a time in the future. Twice the insurance, vet fees and food are only part of it. Two dogs are definitely much more work obviously. But saying all that, I wouldn't be without mine now All the best hun xSent from my GT-I9300 using Netmums mobile app

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Posted on 16-08-2013 at 6.24PM

Sorry should have said, we were really lucky with our first dog too, really calm and placid, think that lulled us into a false sense of security lol!! Second dog is nuts:):) but we love her to bits! !Sent from my GT-I9300 using Netmums mobile app

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Bianca W(19)

Posted on 16-08-2013 at 7.12PM

I took on a rescue dog (tara) so my border collie puppy (jess) would have playmate, they kept each other entertained and it was just as easy to have 2 dogs. It is double the cost for insurance and food etc but so pleased I did it, I was lucky that Tara has never once had to go to the vet apart from her annual booster and I've had her 10 years now, jess on the other hand had loads of joint problems from about a year old and then developed cancer at 5 years old so it would have cost a fortune in vets bills if not insured so definitely was worth the extra expense, I would say go for it rescue dogs are so loving xx

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allison l(23)

Posted on 16-08-2013 at 7.30PM

I had one dog for five years (well I had him for three years but he lived at home with my parents and I and I took him with me when I left home) and then took on another rescue....

We only had that experience for 11 months as sadly he was put to sleep in June, but I loved having two of them. It was tough in the first few weeks getting them used to each other but it panned out okay. We now have a tiny shih tzu so I am back to having two dogs.

I can't imagine ever having just one dog anymore.

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Claire C(1751)

Posted on 16-08-2013 at 9.13PM

Hi,

We got a field spaniel as a puppy and then when he was three we got a rescue working cocker spaniel (who was approx 5 yrs at the time) as a playmate for our first dog. Although there is additional cost, we found it no extra work having two dogs, and they absolutely love one another. As they are left for a few hours each day when we are both out at work, its great to know they have each other so they are never truly alone. Our experience of having two dogs had been great and I would definitely do it again.

If you can afford it I would say go for it!

Good luck x

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Netmums mobile app

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Liz W(459)

Posted on 17-10-2013 at 10.23AM

I have two dogs. So much more work that 1 dog. I wouldn't recommend it. You think they'll keep each other company but one of our dogs prefers human companion ship so it didn't work out like that. Maybe look after a second dog for a week or two & see how you feel, everyone's different after all.

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carly e(9)

Posted on 17-10-2013 at 10.33AM

I've got two dogs too, they set each other off all the time- if one barks the other one starts, they tag team the kitchen bin- they are right little monkeys tho but I would never be with out them they are both girl bichon and are 6 months apart in age, and one can't be with out the other they get really upset when apart

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Flora (2)

Posted on 17-10-2013 at 1.39PM

When I was looking at getting a second dog I was advised by several people not to get another female as they are more likely to fight so I got a male.

I expected them to love each other but they don't they just tolerate each other most of the time. They constantly fight for mt attention. If one sits on my knee the other will try and climb on my chest! (They are terriers)

I have had to stop giving them toys or chews as even though they had one each they would want the same one. They had a couple of full on fights over them. The last time I got bitten trying to separate them.

They also pick up each others bad habits. If one takes a dislike to another dog they will gang up.

Would I have two at the same time again? Probably not!

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Jo B(1071)

Posted on 17-10-2013 at 1.52PM

I had 2 dogs for many years until I list one in August. As with anything there's pros and cons. If they get on, and you'd need to check this before making a commitment, they are wonderful company for each other. My two were inseparable even though very different. My mongrel taught my greyhound recall and obedience, while in return she calmed him down. In the end it was her behavior as much as his that helped me prepare for the decision to let him go.

Yes, more work, more cleaning up, but the same (ish) amount of walking, and its great watching them play together when out. And its nice seeing them being able to be dogs together. Not sure how too explain that better but they almost stop trying to be dog shaped humans, and be actual dogs.

Like others have said, they can pick up bad habits from each other. If one had an accident,, the other would copy. Boy that was a lot of wee to clean up at times!

I have found that one is easier in some ways now. Because its just the one its easier to have her in the room while my son is playing, as less to keep an eye on. As a result he is getting very good with her and now he's walking likes to holds her lead. Couldn't do that with 2!

I was advised once not to have 2 female dogs together though. One of each, or 2 neutered males will apparently live together better?

Only you know the logistics of your household but I hope this helps.

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Emily S(51)

Posted on 18-10-2013 at 6.22PM

Thanks everyone for the very useful advice. Turns out one of the vetinary nurses kept her and I must admit I think I'm glad!

We've been very lucky with our dog as for her breed she's very well behaved but for some reason she gets very anxious very easily. It goes back to when she was nearly one year old and my husband was walking her, an old man stood on her by accident and broke her foot, she had to have all her toes pinned and recovery was hard on her as her bones didn't fuse together at first and the vet said she had to be kept in a cage for 2 weeks, she had to eat in there and when she needed the toilet I had to carry her out on a lead then carry her back in. It did work and the bones healed but adter 2 weeks I told the vet she was changing, becoming frightened when my husband came home from work etc so he said may be best to start letting her out a bit.

Now she's fully recovered, it was nearly 2 years ago but she gets nervous easily and sometimes has an accident when my husband strokes her. And like some of you said, if we had another dog it may copy the habit!

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Kim G(56)

Posted on 18-10-2013 at 7.33PM

After our family dog passed away in 2011 we decided not to have another dog.

Yet a year on we missed having a dog around the house and decided to go to the rehoming shelter. We fell in love with a boxer x rottweiler puppy. He just sat there wagging his tail with these big sad eyes. I didnt want a puppy but it was love at first sight. He came home with us that day. Hes been a troublesome dog with regards to health. Came to us verg poorly and since has had a skin condition that flares up all the time and hs will chew the itching spot until it bleeds. So costs us a bit at the vets.

We have been very lucky in that be is a very docile dog.. daft as a brush but very lovable.

We were hapy with just one dog... then my partners father got ill with lukemia. So we had to take in his dog. A 4year old female staff. I dont particularly like her as she is a very grumpy dog and I really dont have time for her. Hes on the mend and will hopefully have her back when hes strong enough.

I dislike having two dogs... im constantly sweeping up hair... picking up twice as much dog mess... partner walks them... I used to enjoy walking fred but I cant fake them both as she will start on smallef dogs. She barks at every little noise... shes grumpy... she paces. She takes his toys, kicks him out of the bed. All these bad habbits have started torub of on fred.

To add to the mix I am due next weekend and have told my partner if she so much as looks at the baby funny she is gone. I will not risk it

So to aswer your question. .. no having fwo dogs is not fun... its extra work. I usdd to enjoy owning a dog now its just a adddd chore.